Kalimotxo: the super-simple mixed drink you’ll want to drink this summer
When the sun is shining and you want to get into a summer mood, there’s nothing better than a drink that’s both refreshing and surprisingly simple. Kalimotxo (as it’s called in the Basque Country), or calimocho, is one of those drinks you need to add to your summer repertoire. No complicated ingredients, no expensive bottles, just red wine and cola. Simple, but oh so delicious.
Kalimotxo: the super-simple mixed drink for summer
There are thousands of cocktails to choose from: from sweet to bitter, classic to trendy, and alcoholic to virgin. But sometimes the best drink is simply the simplest one. Then a simple mixed drink is exactly what you’re looking for.
What is a mixed drink?
A mixed drink is a ‘cocktail’ that generally contains just two ingredients, one alcoholic and the other non-alcoholic. The much-praised rum and cola, for example, or the screwdriver (vodka and orange juice), and yes, the gin and tonic too.
Red wine with fizz
In warm countries like Spain, they’re huge fans of mixing red wine, and believe me when I say it’s a very good idea. Tinto de verano is a good example: red wine with a soft drink that can vary depending on how sweet you want it. 7-Up, bitter lemon, sparkling water…
Making kalimotxo
Kalimotxo is also a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to make something quick and refreshing. You might think: “Red wine with cola, seriously?” Yes, absolutely! It may sound a little strange, but it’s the perfect balance of sweet and bitter, with the fresh note of cola bringing out the rich flavor of the wine.
The ratio: 50-50
The best part is that it goes down easily, which can be both a blessing and a danger (for your sobriety the next morning). An even split? Perfect, but you can also use more of one or the other. Just mix some red wine and cola together and voilà! You have a drink that’s ideal for a convivial summer evening on the balcony, in the garden, or during a picnic in the park. Or wherever you are when the sun is shining.
Cheers!
We don’t think you should drink glass after glass of it, because as we said earlier, that’s the danger: it goes down so easily. But if you’re in the mood for some summer vibes (and who isn’t?), this is the drink to toast with on your balcony, in the garden, or in the park.
Read more about kalimotxo here; cheers!
Also read:
- 6 things you shouldn’t do when you’re in Spain—but probably do anyway
- Beer? Cerveza? Bière? Know what kind of beer you’re ordering on vacation
- This is the Spanish Bali you’ll want to visit now
